Debra,
We have a lot in common. My husband is 45 and was diagnosed in May with cancer in his right tonsil. After a tonsillectomy he is 4 1/2 weeks into radiation (today is treatment 24 of 33) and halfway through 10 weeks of chemo. We found that the radiation effects really "hit" about 3 weeks in. That's when Tom got the PEG and it has made a HUGE difference. Before the PEG, it hurt him to swallow his own sticky spit and even a sip of water would bring tears to his eyes. He was tired and couldn't even concentrate long enough to watch TV. Post-PEG, he's like a new man. It's amazing what hydration and nutrition can do. He still tires very easily but he's feeling 100% better. I'm sure you'll see a big change now that he has his new friend, PEG at his side! Be sure to ask about what meds he can and can't crush to take through his PEG. And, ask what meds are available in liquid form. Lots of the folks here have PEG experience.

Tom misses eating too...he's 6'3" and started out at 280; now 260. And I miss cooking. The good thing is I've been eating a lot more salad because it's not worth cooking anything elaborate for just me and I don't like to eat in front of him. I'll even flip the channel when a food ad comes on TV. Food Network is out of the question!

At our first consultation, our onco nurse gave him great advice: don't try eating any of your favorite foods during treatment because the taste change could turn you off them forever. We dream of all the great food and travel we'll enjoy next year when all this treatment is behind us. Hang in there and visit this site often. There are many, many good people here willing to listen and offer advice when you need it.

One day at a time,
Joyce

CG to Tom dx SCC 5/06; right neck lymph nodes removed, dx right tonsil and tonsillectomy 6/06; rad and chemo started 7/06; treatment COMPLETED 9/06 33x rad; Erbitux (8x); Cisplatin (2);